Romney Opens Campaign Headquarters in Steubenville - WTRF 7 News Sports Weather - Wheeling Steubenville

The Republican Party is heating up the Presidential race in Ohio; a state they know is critical to winning the election in November.

The Romney Campaign opened new headquarters on Saturday inside the Fort Steuben Mall. Ohio Valley republicans were there show their support and had a chance to speak with local politicians.

Congressman Bill Johnson and Senator Pat Toomey also attended to kick off Romney's new Campaign headquarters.

They discussed topics important to the upcoming election, such as job creation and Obama-care. Senator Toomey says Romney's experience in the private sector will enable him to make it easier for entrepreneurs and small business owners to create news jobs throughout the state.

"What is the decision process that an entrepreneur goes through?" He asks. "What do we need to do in Washington to create an environment where people will be willing to risk their savings to start a new business, or to expand an existing business, or to hire more workers. If you've actually done it, then you understand that process and know how to create an environment that his conducive to creating more jobs and growing the economy."

Also at Saturday's event, volunteers were signed up to make calls and go door-to-door for the Romney campaign. Congressman Johnson says it's supporters like the ones at Saturday's event that can determine the Presidential election.

"This election is critical. We're going to determine whether we're going to be a country that believes in big government, big spending, and big taxes, like the European model that we now see is failing. Or whether we're going to put our stock in an American people where individual liberty and freedom, and our ability to pursue our dreams and ambitions without a big overreaching federal government on top of us. That's what this election is all about."

Republicans also say they will work to change current EPA regulations that are hindering energy production in industries important to the Ohio Valley such as coal and shale.

Obama supporters protested outside the mall. 7 News was told they had to be asked to leave inside near where the headquarters are located.